If you’re a Florida resident, you know how crazy hurricane season can get. With that said, many Floridians don’t know how to properly plan for a hurricane, and instead just react in the moment. Sadly, this can lead to property destruction, losing important documents, and even physical danger!
Before the next hurricane hits, you’ll want to have a hurricane emergency plan put together and have all of the pieces in place. That way, worst case scenario, you can protect your loved ones and your property to the best of your ability.
Below are some top considerations for putting together an emergency plan, what you should do after a hurricane hits to ensure you get the best insurance payout possible, and what options you have if your insurance company decides to deny your claim in bad faith.
5 Top Considerations When Putting Together a Hurricane Emergency Plan
When putting together your hurricane emergency plan, make sure you consider everything below. It can not only save your property, but it can even save your life!
1. The Basics
The first consideration when putting together your plan should be taking care of the basics—which includes creating an emergency kit. This kit should include non-perishable food, water, and battery-powered and crank devices (like flashlights, radios, and phone chargers). You’ll also need somewhere to store your important documents. If you have a child, make sure you have diapers, clothing, snacks, and other necessities ready to go. If you have a pet, make certain you have their pet food and anything else they may need. You may even consider purchasing a storm blanket to keep them calm.
2. Evacuation and Shelter
It’s not fun to think about, but you may need to evacuate and find shelter if things get really bad.
Consider reading through these resources to be better prepared for a worst-case scenario hurricane situation. It’s recommended that you bookmark these references so you can access them quickly in case of an emergency:
3. Family Emergency Response
Your family should have a response plan in place in case of an emergency. This may include where to meet, at what point in a storm is considered an “emergency,” and how to effectively communicate in case of an emergency. Consider a “three calls in a row means an emergency” or an “emergency text” policy in your household not only for hurricanes but also for other emergencies.
4. Pre-Storm Documentation
If you see a storm on the horizon, start documenting your property. This includes making a list of anything that may be covered by insurance, as well as taking videos and photos of your property. The better documented it is, the higher the chances of an appropriate payout.
5. Prep Properly
Here are some general prep tips you should consider:
- Have cash on hand
- Purchase battery-powered radios and flashlights
- Purchase emergency shutters for your home
- Purchase non-perishable food and water bottles
Filing Your Insurance Claim
After a hurricane, you need to file your insurance claim in a timely manner. Take pictures and videos to serve as evidence of the damage. Having the “before” documentation can help a lot to prove the extent of the damage. Save all of the documentation between your insurance company and you just in case you need it.
What If My Insurance Company Doesn’t Want to Pay?
If you documented the damage properly and filed on time, you should have no problem getting your settlement. With that said, insurance companies are known to try and get out of a legitimate payment. If your claim is denied in bad faith, contact Colucci Law Group to get the money you are owed.
Colucci Law Group consists of legal experts that provide clients with support to combat bad faith claim denials. We will provide you with an experienced, expert insurance lawyer to represent you in a suit against your insurance provider. We are also able to file your claim for you and defend your rights, so you get the settlement that you deserve.
For more information about our property insurance legal services, reach out today. We’d be happy to help you to file your claim or represent you in a lawsuit against your insurance provider.
If you suspect that you are the victim of a bad faith insurance claim denial, we can help. The Colucci Law Group has the resources to assess the validity of your claim at no cost to you. For a free consultation, email us or call our Dunedin office at 727-733-9438. You may also call our Fort Myers office at 239-378-7800. Our team assists victims of bad-faith insurance claims across the state of Florida.